Riga Old Town

Riga Old Town

Riga Old Town is divided into the Old City and the New City. The Old City is located on the right bank of the Daugava River, covering a small area and surrounded by canals. It features characteristics of a medieval city, with low-rise houses, narrow streets, and mostly red-tiled roofs. Each roof is adorned with a gleaming metal rooster — a weather vane. Legend has it that since the late 13th century, the weather vane has been regarded by locals as a talisman against evil. Later, people painted the two sides of the rooster’s body gold and black respectively to indicate wind direction. Nowadays, the weather vane serves merely as a unique symbol of the city.

Although Riga has suffered from war damage, many ancient buildings in the Old Town have been preserved. They feature ingenious constructions and exquisite appearances. Gleaming metal roosters stand atop the spires of several 13th-century churches. Among the uniquely designed churches, the Dome Cathedral is world-renowned for its massive pipe organ inside, while St. Peter’s Church is the tallest church in Riga. Other notable structures include the Order Castle, the Great Guild Hall, and the Small Guild Hall. The city also retains medieval merchant houses and warehouses.

The New Town is situated at the scenic bend of the city’s canal, and the entire city is covered in greenery and flowers, earning it the nickname “The Beauty of Europe.” Locals often refer to it as the “City of Flowers.” The New Town exudes a strong modern vibe, with wide and neat streets, magnificent architecture, and fountains, monuments, and sculptures found throughout.